Albizia Tea Benefits

The health benefits of Albizia tea have long been studied and analyzed. The flowers and the bark derived from this tree are considered beneficial for ailments afflicting the nerve and brain.

In ancient traditional Chinese literature, use of the albizia herb was linked with “the happiest of results: promoting joy, assuaging sorrow, brightening the eye, and giving the desires of the heart.” It is also largely associated with eliminating stagnation of the “qi”.

Albizia is a type of legume commonly found in the southwestern and eastern parts of Asia . It is also known by various names such as Persian silk tree and mimosa. This is a small tree that is commonly considered as an ornamental. The albizia tree is viewed as an invasive species and tends to grow in dry plains and sandy valleys were they can be commonly found growing in marginal habitats and locales, such as roadsides, near parking lots, and bordering power lines.

Known by its official name of albizia julibrissin, this tree grows to a height of just 5 to 12 meters tall. It possesses arching branches and has a bark that is greenish gray in color. Its flowers bloom in the summer months in dense inflorescences. These flowers possess no petals but are composed of tight clusters of stamens. They have a white or pink color, and have the appearance of silky threads. The albizia flowers are apparently attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

The flowers and the bark of this tree are considered the parts where most of its health properties are largely found. The heads of the albizia flower are known to possess sedative, tonic, digestive and carminative properties. The bark, meanwhile, is known to have carminative, diuretic, sedative, stimulant and tonic properties.

Potent constituencies of albizia flower and bark include flavonol glycosides such as quercitrin and isoquercitrin. These are thought to possess sedative qualities. These may help explain the anti-anxiety effect of albizia. Other constituents are saponins, tannins, methyl ester, lactone and acaci acid.

To make albizia flower tea, steep the dried blossoms in a 12-gram cup of hot water for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, place a teaspoon of dried albizia herb powder in newly-boiled water and similarly steep for about 5 minutes.

The following are the health benefits believed to be derived from this brew:

May help fight insomnia.

May help improve the mood, uplift the spirit, and fight depression, melancholy and anxiety.